STAYING COOL + CALM IN THE HEAT

Uma, Etta's little sister, was born in a heatwave in July, and I still remember how hot the hospital was, how uncomfortable the last weeks of pregnancy were, and how completely different it felt to bring a summer baby home compared to my winter baby Etta. So with the warm weather here, I wanted to share some hopefully helpful ideas for keeping both of you a little cooler and more comfortable.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Think breezy and light, because now is really not the time for layered outfits. Cotton and linen are your best friend, and loose fitting smock dresses worked really well for my girls or just a nappy if we weren't going anywhere. Always have a change of clothes tucked away, and a light layer or blanket for anywhere with air conditioning.

COLD MUSLIN MAGIC + MORE

You all know we love our muslins here at Etta Loves, and in warm weather they really come into their own. A dry muslin popped in the freezer for an hour comes out beautifully cool and makes a lovely lightweight layer to drape near baby for a little relief or for some cool peekaboo. You can also wet the whole thing before freezing and use it on yourself, around your neck, over your wrists, across your ankles, or over a bump if you're pregnant, it makes such a big difference when you get it on the right area.

One of our favourite warm weather tricks is hanging a frozen sensory muslin in front of a fan. The open weave means the cool air passes through perfectly, and the movement makes the pattern dance in a way babies find completely captivating, so you both get cool air and a visual show in one go.

And of course a muslin works brilliantly as a lightweight pram shade (hood to handle, LOTS of air flowing underneath), a blanket for naps, or simply something fascinating to look at during a wake window to stop the grumps.

 

COOL WATER PLAY

A tray or washing up bowl of cool water and letting baby splash their hands and feet is one of those simple things that works brilliantly. Adding our bath toys or colour changing water book turns it into a proper activity that holds their attention for longer. Do this in the shade if you're outside, and never leave baby unattended near water.

 

THE POWER OF DISTRACTION

A baby who is visually engaged with something interesting gets a natural break from whatever else is bothering them, including the heat. When their eyes and brain are busy focusing on a pattern designed to match exactly what their developing vision can process, there isn't much room left for being unsettled at the same time. So whether it's a muslin dancing in front of a fan, hanging squares clipped to the pram, or a sensory strip to focus on during a wake window, distraction is one of the most underrated tools you have on a warm day.

OUT AND ABOUT

Shade is always your friend, and there is absolutely no shame in taking a trip to a nicely air conditioned supermarket when it's really blazing. Get the sun cream on, pop on a wide brimmed hat, and clip your hanging squares or sensory strip somewhere baby can see them so there's always something to focus on when the heat gets a bit much.

Stay cool out there.

Jen x